Charlotte’s University of North Carolina has offered a verbal scholarship to sophomore running back Jayden Jones from Independence, making them the first football program to do so.

Jones was recognized as an honorable mention on the 2023 HighSchoolOT All-State Football Team for his performance during the fall season.

The runner, who stands at 5 feet and 10 inches and weighs 175 pounds, completed his second year with 181 carries for 1,830 yards (averaging 10.1 yards per carry and 152.5 yards per game) and scoring 19 touchdowns. He also made 9 catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns, as well as a touchdown on a kickoff return.

In 2023, the Patriots had a record of 11-4 and were the runner-up in the 4A West region of the N.C. High School Athletic Association during Jones’ second year.

Source: highschoolot.com